Sunday, 15 November 2015

Beating the Winter Blues

Winter is probably a season that resembles marmite, you either love it or hate it. Festive ocassions, open fires, cosy film nights, seasonal comfort food all make for good reasons to love it but I know the dark, damp days, and the sadness that Christmas can sometimes bring to a household, can make this time of year much harder for some.

I say it's like marmite, but I think I sit firmly in the middle. I love Christmas but I absolutely hate the cold weather, early nights and lack of sunshine. And I know a lot of the time, the lack of sun and darkness can really bring our mood down. Some of us probably experience a mild form of the 'Winter Blues' and others might suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. I don't really suffer - I get a bit fed up sometimes but that's all - however, I do have some ideas for those of you who do..

1. Soak up as much light as possible. Sit next to windows, wake up a little earlier, make your room bright and spacious. Or try light therapy - invest in a lamp designed for S.A.D, which can help bring artificial light, hopefully boosting your mood.

2. Talk to someone. The easiest thing when written down on paper but the one thing we all put off doing, despite us all knowing we'll feel so much better for doing so.

3. Exercise. I'm not saying 5 miles on a treadmill but rather a walk around the block in natural daylight. Failing that, do some housework - vacuum the stairs or wrestle with bed as you try to put fresh bedding on. Small activities work just as well.

4. Do something you enjoy. I think we all think that when the dark nights draw in, we're now stuck inside with nothing but TV to watch. Instead, go out. Go to the cinema, pub, ice skating, bowling..

5. Be kind to yourself. If you want that mince pie, have it. If you want a nap, sleep. Your body will reward you and feel amazing if you treat it well.